Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows (34 page)

"Goodbye..." Timlin whispered, closing his eyes.

Lannon continued to gaze down at him, overcome by sadness.
Then he remembered that others still needed him, and he went to Shennen and
helped the Blue Knight to his feet. Shennen was dazed, scorched, and
bleeding--but not critically injured.

"Is Timlin dead?" he asked.

"I believe so," said Lannon, thinking Shennen
would be pleased. "If not, he will be soon. I couldn't save him."

But Shennen only bowed his head in sadness.

Chapter 22:
 
The Trial of Shades

As Lannon, Shennen, and Aldrek were on their return journey
with the Black Flamestone, the others were still tending to the dead and
wounded. The battle had been, as predicated, horrific, with forty-two Knights
dead and dozens more having serious injuries. Divine Knights were few in number
and difficult to kill, so the loss of more than forty was quite devastating to
Dremlock. However, Bellis had gotten the worst of--losing hundreds of fighters,
including several of their prized Thallite giants, to the blazing weapons of
Dremlock.

Aldreya and the other Squires kept busy helping dress
wounds and prepare the dead for funerals. Prince Vannas, however, remained in
his tent and refused to talk to anyone. He'd gone into hiding immediately
following the battle. Aldreya was deeply concerned with him, for the prince's
face was pale and his eyes--which still held a bizarre white hue--looked
haunted.

At last, Aldreya and the other Squires finished with their
duties and went to speak to Vannas. The prince was sitting cross-legged in the
tent, and for once he seemed to be ignoring the White Flamestone.

"How are you feeling?" Aldreya asked, as she and
the others sat down. Looking into the prince's white eyes disturbed her.

"Any word on Lannon?" Vannas asked.

Aldreya shook her head. "Not yet, but that mission
wasn't going to be an easy one and we can't jump to conclusions."

Vannas nodded. "I'm sure they'll return with the Black
Flamestone."

"What's wrong?" asked Aldreya. "You don't
seem...yourself."

Vannas pointed at his eyes. "Do I look like myself?
Something happened to me during that battle. I became so consumed with power
and energy that I lost myself. It was a terrible feeling, and I'm not sure I
want anything more to do with the White Flamestone. I'm afraid of what I am
becoming."

"I don't blame you," said Lothrin. "I will
admit to you that I too have been obsessed with the Flamestone--ever since I
touched it below the town of Elder Oak. It did something to me, made me long
for it...and suffer. Finally, though, I have freed myself of its grasp and no
longer desire it."

"I envy you, cousin," said Vannas. "The
problem is that Dremlock depends on me to wield it. Therefore, duty keeps me
bound to it."

"Maybe not for long," said Jerret. "Bellis
suffered a shocking defeat, and there is talk that the kingdom may give up on
Dremlock and just leave Silverland alone. I don't think they expected to take
such a beating at the hands of a small battalion of Knights, and I'm certain
they're terrified of the White Flamestone now."

"They
should
be terrified of it," said
Vannas. "It's a terrifying weapon. Honestly, I'm afraid of it too. It has
power and potential beyond what I had once believed. I'm sure our Divine
Essence must have been quite hesitant to surrender it into mortal hands."

"What happened to you?" said Lothrin.
"Previously, you seemed so confident in using the Flamestone. What
shattered your faith in it?"

"Nothing," said Vannas, "as far as using it
to defeat our enemies is concerned. Bellis learned the hard way just how mighty
this weapon is. Yet I believe I haven't even come close to unlocking its full
potential. This could be as powerful as the Crimson Flamestone of ancient times.
Who knows? No, it's the fact that I'm just a mortal man not meant to wield such
power. It has begun to take a drastic toll on me. For a moment in battle, I
became almost like an enraged god wanting to smite everything around me."

"But you didn't," said Aldreya. "Instead,
you destroyed Bellis' greatest siege engine that could have been used against
Dremlock Kingdom."

"Yes," said Vannas, "this time I did the
right thing. Who knows what will happen next time? As noble as the White
Flamestone is, it grants too much power--and such power can corrupt anyone.
That is now my greatest fear."

Lothrin nodded. "You are wise to be afraid, cousin. In
fact, I take that as a good sign. And as Jerret said, it might not matter.
Bellis may stay out of Silverland permanently now."

"I think they will," said Galvia, a proud look on
her face. "We crushed them! They had no answer for Dremlock's
tricks."

"I certainly hope so," said Vannas, but he looked
doubtful.

Aldreya patted him on the shoulder. "Stay strong, and
don't fret over it. You'll be fine. You're coming out for the great feast,
right?" She winked at him. "I hear that Taris may be granting a few
promotions."

Vannas managed a smile. "Of course."

Taris suddenly peered into the tent. "Aldreya, are you
ready?"

She rose, her heart racing. The Trial of Shades was at
hand.

***

They entered Taris' shadowy tent and sat down across from
each other. The smell of spicy incense hung in the air, and Taris lit two
candles. First, they drank some tea, and sat in silence for a time. Aldreya's
anxiety grew by the moment.

"Are you relaxed yet?" Taris asked.

"Far from it," she admitted.

Taris chuckled. "I suppose you want to get on with
it."

Aldreya nodded.

"Good," said Taris. "Do you understand what
this trial means? That if you fail it, your ability to use sorcery will be
severely weakened?"

"Yes," said Aldreya. "If I fail, I will
leave Dremlock and return to Borenthia."

"Then let us begin," said Taris. He drew his
stone dagger and called the green fire into the blade. Then he brought it close
to his face. His green eyes shone like the flaming blade--burning with focus.

 
Suddenly, Aldreya was
surrounded by thick shadows that obscured the tent walls. Something was moving in
the shadows--four shades that stepped into the candlelight. They wore green,
hooded robes and held stone daggers. Their eyes gleamed with power and wisdom
beneath their hoods. They were the ghosts of elite Birlote sorcerers from ages
past. They closed in on Aldreya and laid hands on her. She felt as if her flesh
was burning, but she was paralyzed.

The shades whispered to her, and their words were madness.
They said that the universe was flawed and thus all things would come to a
dark, bitter end. They prompted her to surrender to infinite sleep.

At first, Aldreya wanted to give up and go to sleep. If the
universe was flawed, there was no hope and it was better to simply not exist.
But then she realized that she could continue on with life without will, hope,
or purpose. She had something that gave control amidst a chaotic universe--
strength
.
Aldreya had strength, and with it, she could control her destiny. Part of that
strength was faith in her god, her honor, and her abilities. The shades were
telling her that all things were folly, but she was determined to use her strength
to resist that notion--regardless of whether or not she was right or wrong.

"You have failed!" Aldreya said to them. "Now
leave me alone!" As she spoke the words, a new level of power surged
within her--as if the strength of her sorcery had suddenly doubled and new
channels had opened.

The shades smiled down at her and then vanished back into
the shadows. The shadows themselves departed and Taris Warhawk was revealed. He
was holding her teacup, from which steam was rising.

"Well done," said Taris. "You resisted the
shades and found hidden strength. Are you ready for more tea?"

With a trembling hand, Aldreya took the teacup and drank.

"Well?" said Taris.

"It was strange," said Aldreya. "I was told
there is something wrong with the world--a flaw in the design. It was a very
dark vision."

"I meant the tea," said Taris, winking. "Do
you like it?"

Aldreya realized she'd been too nervous to taste it. She
did so now, and found it was delicious. "Tastes like blackberries."

Taris smiled. "It's the best tea recipe I know of, my
fine apprentice."

"Master Taris," she said, "is the world
deeply flawed somehow?"

"The answer is in your teacup," he replied.

She gazed into the teacup. "I see nothing
but...tea."

"Then perhaps you can
taste
the answer,"
said Taris.

Aldreya savored the tea. "It just tastes like a cup of
excellent tea."

"And there is your answer," said Taris.

Chapter 23:
 
The Path to Knighthood

A week had passed since Lannon's battle with Timlin, while
Dremlock's army remained camped in the hills. Lannon, Shennen, and Aldrek had
found their way to the campsite and had given the Black Flamestone to Taris for
safekeeping. Funerals were held for the slain Knights, though not all of the
bodies had been recovered. It was a time of sadness for Dremlock because of the
fallen, but also a time of great triumph. They had defeated a powerful army
from Bellis and captured the Hand of Tharnin and the Black Flamestone. A
message had been sent to the people of Gallamerth--that Dremlock would endure.

It was a fine spring day, the snow having melted away. The
weather was warm and sunny, with Dremlock's proud banners flapping in the
breeze throughout the campsite. Now that the dead had been laid to rest, it was
time to call a celebration feast and look to the future. Orange Squires were
busy cooking food over several fires and setting up wooden tables and chairs,
while an archery contest was held for Dremlock's finest.

Shennen and Aldrek had recovered from their wounds, and
Aldrek had faded into the background once again--as the hired sorcerer
preferred to stay out of sight. Shennen remained saddened by the deaths of his
Blue Knights and didn't talk much. He stayed busy with various tasks, however,
and expressed interest in again joining the High Council (though Cordus
Landsaver's presence was required before a vote could be taken).

The Divine Shield sat at one of the tables, minus Taris and
Furlus who were elsewhere in the camp on business. With Jace present, the smell
of pipe smoke was in the air.

"What does the future hold for you, Squires?"
asked Jace.

"The same as always," said Lannon. "We're
hoping to reach Knighthood."

Jace winked at them. "It could take years of training
and struggle, and even then you might never make it. Are you sure it's worth
all the trouble?"

"We'll make it, Uncle Jace," said Aldreya,
punching him in the shoulder. Then she added, "So what does
your
future hold?"

Jace shrugged. "If my work at Dremlock is done, I'll
go off and wander some. It's what I do, Squires, and the war against Tharnin
goes on."

"Yet all the excitement is here," said Daledus,
grinning, "with the Divine Knights. Why would you ever want to
leave?"

"It's not excitement that motivates me," said
Jace.

"I'm considering retirement myself," said
Trenton, with a shrug. He touched his grey hair. I'm getting old, and I've
accomplished everything I've wanted to at Dremlock. I would like to retreat to
some remote keep to study sorcery in solitude. I have so much to learn yet, but
so little time for study. And, to be honest, I'm not well liked here."

Jace nodded. "Your demeanor is not a pleasant one,
which makes people forget your great deeds. But I know better, Trenton. You're
a fantastic sorcerer who has done great things for Dremlock. You've earned the
right to retire in peace."

Trenton's face broke into a rare smile. "Thank you,
Jace, for the kind words. I've come to discover you're quite a fine sorcerer
yourself--in your own way. And a wise man."

The two of them shook hands for the first time.

"Are you really going to retire, Trenton?" asked
Lannon, surprised. He'd always been under the impression that Trenton loved
being the Investigator of Dremlock.

"I can't say for sure," said Trenton. "The
thought crosses my mind on occasion. Now that Bellis is defeated and we have
the Black Flamestone--not to mention the severe weakening of the Blood
Legion--we could be on the verge of an era of peace. If so, I would have no
problem stepping down from the High Council."

"I considered retirement recently," admitted
Shennen, "right after Thrake's death. But then I began to think things
over, and I decided I want to punish the Deep Shadow for all the harm it has
done. Thus, I shall be a Divine Knight until I'm too old to fight. I intend to
join the High Council and remain loyal to Dremlock."

"Loyalty is a wonderful thing," said Jace,
puffing at his pipe. "However, I hate to be tied down by laws and
politics. I prefer to roam free...even in places I'm not wanted. I'm not done
with old Tharnin yet. You see, it's personal for me."

"How so, Uncle Jace?" asked Aldreya, gazing at
him with a curious look.

"It's a long story," said Jace. The giant looked
suddenly uncomfortable, his bony fingers drumming on the tabletop. "It
might bore you. Perhaps I'll feel up to revealing it sometime. Maybe in a
hundred years or so."

Aldreya rolled her eyes. "So after I'm dead?"

Jace smiled and patted her on the back. "If you
weren't still around in a mere hundred years, my dear, I would be quite
surprised."

Aldreya looked confused, but said nothing.

The smell of cooking food was making everyone hungry. Bazil
Bearpaw, the Bard, did a few tricks and then played some songs for the crowd.
He was dressed in a flamboyant purple-and-white outfit, including a wide purple
hat and purple boots, and even his long black hair and beard were streaked with
purple. He was so animated in his antics that he inspired roaring laughter and
cheers from the crowd.

"Have any of you ever seen an Elder Hawk's nest?"
Bazil asked, waving his hat toward the crowd. "Anyone? If so, raise your
hand."

No one responded.

Bazil pointed at Daledus. "Why, there's one right
there!"

Daledus looked confused for a moment. Then he caught on,
roared laughter, and shook his beard. Bazil threw his voice so it sounded like
a Hawk was hidden in Daledus' beard.

And the celebration and laughter continued for a time.

At last Taris and Furlus returned with a crate and stood
before the Squires. "It is time to give out some promotions," said
Taris. "Who wants to go first?"

Prince Vannas nodded to Lannon. "I think it should be
you."

Lannon shook his head. "I wouldn't dream of going
first."

"I will," Jerret said eagerly, jumping up to
cheers from the onlookers.

"Actually," said Taris, "why don't you and
Galvia both come over here."

The two Squires went to the Tower Masters.

"Give me your sashes," said Furlus.

They removed their color sashes and handed them over.
Furlus inspected them, and then tossed them into a nearby fire pit. "Good
riddance!" he muttered.

Everyone waited in tense silence, as Taris opened the crate
and took out two Red sashes. They were Knightly sashes.

Taris touched his stone dagger to each of their foreheads.
"I now name you Master Galvia and Master Jerret, Red Knights of
Dremlock!"

They bowed, and the crowd roared with approval. Lannon was
stunned. He hadn't expected Knighthood to be bestowed on them this quickly.
However, considering all the combat they had endured and the fact that they had
been part of the Divine Shield, he realized he shouldn't have been surprised.
Yet he was astonished and thoroughly delighted, though he wondered if all of
them were going to receive the same honor.

"Aldreya Silverhawk," said Taris. "My
apprentice...come forward!"

Beaming, Aldreya hurried over and Taris touched her
forehead with his dagger. Then Furlus presented her with a Grey sash. "I
name you Master Aldreya."

Aldreya bowed and stood by the other two.

"Prince Vannas and Lothrin Windbow, come
forward!"

The two Birlotes hurried over and were presented with Blue
sashes. "I name you Master Vannas and Master Lothrin. Also, Prince Vannas
now bears the last name of
Dragonslayer
, and henceforth no other Squire
will be allowed to adopt that name."

The crowd rose and cheered.

Lothrin looked confused. "We're not highly skilled in
the ways of this color class--not that I would turn down this promotion, of
course."

"You and your cousin are fully trained archers,
correct?" said Taris. "Some Blue Knights are primarily archers, just
as some are mainly swordsmen. It is a versatile color class with different
warriors assigned different tasks. You two have been promoted based on one
exceptional skill. However, it is expected that both of you will continue to
learn and improve in other areas over time."

Lothrin bowed. "Of course, Master Taris. I should have
realized that. I think I'm in need of a good night of sleep."

Taris smiled. "As we all are."

Lannon wondered why he was last. Was it possible he wasn't
going to be promoted to Knighthood after all he'd done for Dremlock?

"Lannon Sunshield, come forward!" Taris said.

Lannon approached them.

Furlus handed him a Blue sash and nodded with approval.

"I name you Master Lannon," said Taris, touching
his forehead with the stone dagger.

Lannon bowed, then noticed that his Blue sash was adorned
with a small, silver eye symbol. "What is this?" he asked.

Taris' face was somber. "You have earned the rank of a
Dark Watchman, Lannon, by the will of the Sacred Laws of Dremlock."

"But what does that mean?" asked Lannon,
wondering if he should be pleased by this or wary of it.

"It grants you special privileges," said Taris.
"It means you will be looked to for guidance--more so than ever--and your
opinion will carry much weight."

Again Lannon bowed, and the crowd cheered louder than ever.

"You are all Knights," said Taris, "but
ranked at the very bottom of your color class. You still have much to learn.
Now go and visit your old friend, who is doing quite well, before the food is
done cooking. And enjoy yourselves!"

Vannas, Lothrin, and Galvia returned to their table. They
had never really known Vorden like the others and didn't want to intrude.

The three young Knights paid a visit to Vorden, who was
seated in the back of a wagon (still in irons). Vorden had progressed better
than expected, a testament to his strong will--though he still had a long road to
recovery ahead of him. He gazed at them with an expression of curiosity as they
approached the wagon. His eyes still had a yellow tint, though it had faded
some. He seemed relaxed and didn't appear to hold any malice toward the
Squires.

"Greetings," said Lannon. "How are you
feeling?"

Vorden shrugged. "It's a fine day. I like the warm
weather." He shook his long black hair from his eyes and gazed up at the
sun for a moment, squinting. "Yes, a fine day indeed."

"I trust you'll be brought some food from the feast?"
said Lannon.

Vorden nodded. "I am kept well fed by my
captors."

"You look healthy enough," said Jerret.
"Strong as a bull."

"I feel strong," said Vorden. He gazed at Lannon.
"Tell me--whatever became of Timlin?"

Lannon sighed. He'd been hoping to avoid that topic for a
while.

"He's dead, right?" said Vorden. "You killed
him."

Lannon bowed his head. "He left me no choice."

For a moment, Vorden's face showed a hint of sadness. Then
his yellow eyes narrowed. "He got what he deserved, the fool. I won't miss
him."

"He can be at peace now," said Aldreya,
"something he has never known."

"I hope he suffers eternal torment," said Vorden,
a shadow settling over his face. But then he shook his head, looking confused.
"No, I don't hope that... I hope his soul finds rest. I don't know what
I'm talking about sometimes. I think I'm evil."

"You're not evil," Lannon insisted. "Far
from it, Vorden. You're doing much better than the last time I talked to you.
It's amazing!"

"Maybe someday..." Vorden shook his head.
"Never mind."

"What?" asked Lannon.

Vorden sighed. "Maybe someday I can be free from these
irons."

"Certainly," said Lannon. "Someday
soon
,
I would guess. Then you can go back to training and become the great Knight you
were meant to be."

"I would just like to walk free again," said
Vorden. "It's all I think about. Furlus said I was getting closer by the
day, and Furlus is a wise Dwarf."

Jerret chuckled. "Yes, he is. And I want you to know
something, Vorden. I forgive you for taking control of my mind. I really
do."

"I know you do," said Vorden, "because
you're weak and pathetic."

Jerret's face darkened. Then he smiled. "You don't
mean that."

"You're right, I don't," said Vorden, looking
ashamed.

"We're Knights now," said Lannon, unable to hide
his grin.

"Well done," said Vorden. "You made it. If I
can clear my mind of this...darkness, maybe I'll get there too."

"You will," said Aldreya. "In fact, you
might be the Lord Knight someday. You've always had the talent for it."

Vorden laughed. "Not likely." He gazed up at the
sun again and smiled. "But if I can be free, I think that's enough. Isn't
freedom enough?"

Lannon nodded. "There is
nothing better, old friend."

The End.